When I take my eleven-year-old to the school book fair and she reaches for a graphic novel, I can’t help but feel a twinge of discomfort. My mind races with thoughts like, “There are so few words in this!” and “I’m going to spend eight bucks for something she’ll finish in thirty minutes.”
However, I recognize that this reaction stems from an outdated bias. Growing up, I was an avid reader of comic books, especially the Archie series, which my mom would buy for me during grocery trips. Admittedly, those comics were filled with problematic themes—two girls vying for the attention of one indecisive boy. I wouldn’t want my kids to read them without a thorough discussion about their content.
Despite their flaws, I was captivated by those Archie comics. I’d devour them in mere moments, yet I’d revisit them repeatedly. They were stashed away in cardboard boxes since my book collection of Nancy Drew mysteries and R. L. Stine novels took over my shelves. I would read and reread those comics until I knew them by heart.
So why do I hesitate to buy graphic novels for my own child? It’s not about the cost—she will likely cherish them just as I did. The real issue lies in my perception that graphic novels somehow don’t qualify as “real” reading material because they include illustrations. But that doesn’t mean they lack literary value or that my daughter isn’t benefiting from them.
For some, graphic novels might seem inferior to traditional chapter books. Others may subconsciously view them as part of a rebellious culture. This perception has historical roots, dating back to the comic book trials of the mid-20th century, when graphic novels were scrutinized for allegedly contributing to juvenile delinquency. A psychiatrist named Fredric Wertham famously claimed that comic books were harmful, a stance that was later discredited, yet the stigma lingered.
Today’s graphic novels cover a wide range of genres, making them just as diverse as any other literary form. In fact, librarians often struggle to categorize them because their content varies so greatly. The National Coalition Against Censorship points out that when graphic novels are shelved together, it can lead to confusion for parents who worry about their children picking up inappropriate material.
My kids are drawn to graphic novels that adapt stories from their favorite book series, like “Wings of Fire” by Tui T. Sutherland, which has also captured my interest. They expect these graphic novels to be shelved alongside the original series, and rightly so. It’s high time we start recognizing graphic novels as legitimate literature.
Current research supports the idea that reading graphic novels is beneficial for children. The University of Oregon found that comic books contain an average of 53.5 unique words per thousand, exceeding the averages in both children’s and adult literature. Moreover, educators are beginning to utilize graphic novels in their teaching, with studies indicating improved memory retention when information is presented in comic form.
Ultimately, what matters most is that children read what they enjoy. Whether it’s graphic novels, simpler texts, or even non-fiction, encouraging a love for reading is essential. Forcing kids to tackle books they aren’t interested in can lead to disinterest in reading altogether.
As I reflect on my own experiences with comic books, I see how they kindled my passion for reading and creativity. The same is evident in my daughter, who fills her journals with sketches and character descriptions, eagerly awaiting the release of graphic novels that complement her favorite series.
It’s time for me to set aside my biases and embrace her interests.
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In conclusion, we must recognize the value of all reading materials, including graphic novels, and encourage our children to explore what they love.